LOS ANGELES (AP) — The man who shot Lady Gaga’s dog walker and stole her French bulldogs last year took a plea deal and was sentenced Monday to 21 years in prison, officials said.
The Lady Gaga connection was coincidental, authorities said. The reason was the value of French bulldogs, a breed that can fetch thousands of dollars, and investigators don’t believe the thieves knew the dogs belonged to the musician.
James Howard Jackson, one of three men and two accomplices who participated in the violent robbery, has pleaded no contest to a charge of attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Jackson and others drove through Hollywood, the city of West Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley on Feb. 24, 2021, “looking for French bulldogs,” prosecutors previously said. They found Lady Gaga’s dog, Ryan Fischer, with the pop star’s three pets.
Jackson shot Fischer during the robbery.
Jackson also admitted to the charges of grievous bodily harm and a previous strike, the district attorney’s office said. He was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
“The settlement holds Mr. Jackson accountable for committing a heartless act of violence and provides justice for our victim,” the office said in a statement.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.